title: Response to atomoxetine in boys with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the efficacy and tolerability of atomoxetine in high-functioning boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen boys (age 7-17) participated in a 10-week open-label study. Atomoxetine doses were 0.5 mg/kg/day in week 1 and 1.2-1.4 mg/kg/day in weeks 2-10. Changes in AD/HD symptoms were measured by the AD/HD Rating Scale, and global improvements by the Clinical Global Improvement Scale. Both measures were used to assess drug response. Assessments were done at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10. Teacher ratings were done at baseline and 10 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant reductions in AD/HD symptoms rated by parents (p < 0.005) and by teachers (p < 0.05). One participant was rated as 'Much improved', five as 'Moderately improved', seven as 'Minimally improved', and one as 'Unchanged or worse'. Seven subjects were classified as clinical responders. The most common adverse events were nausea and headache. Two participants discontinued treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seven out of 14 boys with high-functioning ASD and comorbid AD/HD showed significant reductions in AD/HD symptoms and were classified as responders to atomoxetine. Most children tolerated the drug well.
authors.affiliation: Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. pzeiner@online.no
authors.forename: Pål
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zeiner
authors.forename: Elen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gjevik
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Weidle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011437:Propylamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D012737:Sex Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride